Chương 221: Chapter 221: Conspiracy and Insecurity
Three days after filming ended, Matthew and Keira Knightley signed a contract in the presence of the production team and lawyers, putting certain terms on paper to create a clear binding agreement between them.
The contract's main content stipulated that from the moment of signing, neither Matthew nor Keira could date anyone else until the end of this promotional faux relationship.
As for when to officially reveal and end the relationship, it would depend on the situation.
The contract covered many aspects, including the method of going public, the minimum weekly public dates, among dozens of other items.
Additionally, if either party was involved in a scandal that negatively impacted the other, or if one party leaked the true nature of this arrangement, they would face a penalty of up to three million dollars.
Matthew had no major objections. For greater fame, not to mention fabricating things, even turning a fake relationship with Keira Knightley into a real one wouldn't be a problem.
Of course, the contract didn't specify how far Matthew and Keira had to go, only outlining a general process from rumor mongering to public dating, from living together to breaking up, all according to plan without any deviations.
If the two genuinely fell for each other, nobody would interfere.
Hollywood has seen its fair share of publicity-driven relationships turning real, though most were sparked during film promotions with public displays of affection, followed by a peaceful "breakup" once the movie's buzz died down.
Indeed, Hollywood had many such "couples."
"I can't believe I'm signing such an absurd contract."
In the conference room of Angel Management, Keira Knightley handed her signed contract to her agent James Baines and commented to Matthew, "This is utterly ridiculous!"
Matthew passed his contract to Helen Herman, replying, "Absurd people in an absurd circle doing absurd things, isn't that normal?"
Keira bit her lip, "I'm having regrets."
Matthew shrugged slightly, "Don't you want to be more famous?"
Keira remained silent. If she didn't see the exposure benefits, she wouldn't have agreed.
"So, Keira…" Matthew was straightforward, "We are indeed absurd people."
Helen Herman and James Baines went upstairs to the office, with Anderson Martinez following later.
Matthew invited Keira for a tour, "Shall I show you around?"
"An agency office," Keira snorted, "What's there to see?"
Despite her words, she followed Matthew around Angel Management's three-story building, where almost everyone greeted them warmly.
Back on the first floor, Keira commented as they approached the main entrance, "You're quite popular."
"Fairly," Matthew emphasized, "I'm the agency's top client."
Keira nodded in understanding.
As they neared the entrance, the glass door was pushed open from the outside by a girl with black hair and distinctive blue eyes, who then approached Matthew.
Keira observed the girl, nearly as tall as herself but with a youthful appearance contrasted by her exaggerated bust.
"Hi, Matthew," the girl greeted him.
Matthew responded with a smile, "Hello, Miss Alexandra Daddario."
"Please, call me Anna," Alexandra said, thanking Matthew for helping her land a role.
"It was nothing," Matthew maintained his polite smile, "Not a big deal."
Indeed, it was a simple phone call.
After a polite exchange, Alexandra headed to the second floor.
"You helped her get a role?" Keira asked curiously.
Matthew downplayed it, "Just a slightly better than extra role."
He then realized the issue of Alexandra playing the younger version of a character, with the adult role played by someone with a significantly different physique.
But that was a concern for the film's director, not him.
"You're helping her, a girl, get roles…" Keira looked at him skeptically, "What's your angle, Matthew?"
Matthew, momentarily confused, asked, "Angle? What do you mean?"
Keira referenced the recent interaction, "That actress just now."
"You think so poorly of me?" Matthew pointed at her.
"What do you think?" Keira pouted, "Do you think you're a good person?"
Matthew understood her implication, "You're feeling insecure!"
"Insecure?" Keira was puzzled, "Why would I feel insecure?"
Matthew pointed towards the staircase, mimicking Keira, "You saw Alexandra Daddario and felt insecure."
Keira failed to grasp his point, "What does she have to do with it?"
"Alexandra Daddario is only sixteen," Matthew's gaze dropped to Keira's chest, "Seeing her development, don't you feel insecure?"
His remark hit Keira hard, who widened her eyes and said sharply, "Matthew Horna!"
"Okay, okay," Matthew gestured for calm, "Just a joke."
Keira huffed.
After exchanging a few conciliatory words, Keira quickly smiled again.
Matthew and Keira chatted in the lobby until Helen Herman and James Baines joined them, and together they escorted Keira and James out of Angel Management.
"Where's Anderson Martinez?" Matthew inquired back in the lobby.
Helen pointed outside, "He came and went." She then asked, "You and Keira Knightley are close? You're not actually getting serious, are you?"
Matthew looked at Helen seriously, "Are you joking?" He added, "I just find her more straightforward than many in this industry."
Compared to Rachel McAdams, Keira was practically naive, but Matthew knew people change. Rachel was also naive when they first met.
Hollywood could certainly change people.
Helen then asked about his contact with Britney, "You've cut ties with her, right?"
"Relax," Matthew assured, understanding her concerns, "That's in the past, no more trouble."
"That's best," Helen cautioned, "This might seem absurd but it's serious. Matthew, take it seriously, especially regarding women."
"What have I done lately?" Matthew scratched his head.
His fling with Rachel McAdams was long ago and unnoticed by the media.
Helen reminded, "There was a tabloid photo of you leaving the Black Mamba bar drunk with Charlize Theron."
"That…" Matthew saw the newspaper, dismissive, "The paparazzi only photographed me and Theron. Johnny Depp and Keanu Reeves were there too; I had drinks with Depp, ran into Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves, and ended up drinking more."
Helen nodded, "Just be careful with the plan in place."
She knew Matthew was scheming but prioritized his career.
"Don't worry," Matthew reassured, "When have I ever been foolish?"
Changing the subject, he asked, "Any news on Jerry Bruckheimer's new projects?"
Helen shook her head, "No more on the American Independence project. The writers returned from D.C. and have been secluded, with only they knowing what they're writing."
Matthew couldn't recall any relevant films, inquiring about the other project.
"That's almost set," Helen detailed, "It's named 'King Arthur,' with a budget around 150 million dollars."
"Are we competing for the lead?" Matthew felt the project was unreliable, recalling unimpressive royal films.
Better to focus on Bruckheimer's other project.
"No, that role isn't right for you."
Unexpectedly, Helen advised against pursuing the lead, leaving Matthew surprised.
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